Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Definition of Success

“There is only one success: to be able to spend your life in your own way”–Christopher Morley

Our society is made up of individuals with myriad talents… and “handicaps”. Some of us are born seemingly blessed, while others struggle. Why is that? – A question everyone asks from time to time, and probably quite often in relation to the subject of personal success.

I am certain, we arrive on this planet exactly the way we are meant to – precisely programmed in order to play our very specific roles. As Shakespeare said it: “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” Sometimes we are teachers and most of the time, we are students – regardless of whatever level of mundane success or stature we think we have attained.

So when we lament our inability to do or be something specific, perhaps we should instead focus on those gifts we do bring to the table. If we were all wonderful at the same things, we wouldn’t be a very interesting society and the lessons we’d have to share with one another wouldn’t have been worth the trip. Also, never discount the importance of a beautiful smile, or a willingness to lend a hand or an ear. These are invaluable gifts and the truest measure of their success lies in the response of those who are on the receiving end.

The definition of success must not be a narrow one, yet when aspects of our lives are not enjoyable or fulfilling, then we do need to consider the changes necessary for improvement. And while the idea of material success is certainly grand, to my mind being able to live my life on my own terms is quite simply Divine!